How To Bypass Bios Password
How To Bypass Bios Password
How To Bypass Bios Password
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Please remember that most BIOS passwords do not protect the hard drive, so if
you need to recover the data, simply remove the hard drive and install it in an
identical system, or configure it as a slave drive in an existing system. The
exception to this are laptops, especially IBM Thinkpads, which silently lock the
hard drive if the supervisor password is enabled. If the supervisor password is
reset without resetting the and hard drive as well, you will be unable to access
the data on the drive.
Backdoor passwords
Many BIOS manufacturers have provided backdoor passwords that can be used
to access the BIOS setup in the event you have lost your password. These
passwords are case sensitive, so you may wish to try a variety of combinations.
Keep in mind that the key associated to "_" in the US keyboard corresponds to
"?" in some European keyboards. Laptops typically have better BIOS security
than desktop systems, and we are not aware of any backdoor passwords that
will work with name brand laptops.
WARNING: Some BIOS configurations will lock you out of the system
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completely if you type in an incorrect password more than 3 times. Read your
manufacturers documentation for the BIOS setting before you begin typing in
passwords
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TOSHIBA BIOS
Most Toshiba laptops and some desktop systems will bypass the BIOS password
if the left shift key is held down during boot
The following software can be used to either crack or reset the BIOS on many
chipsets. If your PC is locked with a BIOS administrator password that will not
allow access to the floppy drive, these utilities may not work. Also, since these
utilities do not come from the manufacturer, use them cautiously and at your
own risk.
Many motherboards feature a set of jumpers or dipswitches that will clear the
CMOS and wipe all of the custom settings including BIOS passwords. The
locations of these jumpers / dipswitches will vary depending on the
motherboard manufacturer and ideally you should always refer to the
motherboard or computer manufacturer's documentation. If the documentation
is unavailable, the jumpers/dipswitches can sometimes be found along the edge
of the motherboard, next to the CMOS battery, or near the processor. Some
manufacturers may label the jumper / dipswitch CLEAR - CLEAR CMOS - CLR -
CLRPWD - PASSWD - PASSWORD - PWD. On laptop computers, the dipswitches
are usually found under the keyboard or within a compartment at the bottom of
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the laptop.
Please remember to unplug your PC and use a grounding strip before reaching
into your PC and touching the motherboard. Once you locate and rest the
jumper switches, turn the computer on and check if the password has been
cleared. If it has, turn the computer off and return the jumpers or dipswitches
to its original position.
The CMOS settings on most systems are buffered by a small battery that is
attached to the motherboard. (It looks like a small watch battery). If you unplug
the PC and remove the battery for 10-15 minutes, the CMOS may reset itself
and the password should be blank. (Along with any other machine specific
settings, so be sure you are familiar with manually reconfiguring the BIOS
settings before you do this.) Some manufacturers backup the power to the
CMOS chipset by using a capacitor, so if your first attempt fails, leave the
battery out (with the system unplugged) for at least 24 hours. Some batteries
are actually soldered onto the motherboard making this task more difficult.
Unsoldering the battery incorrectly may damage your motherboard and other
components, so please don't attempt this if you are inexperienced. Another
option may be to remove the CMOS chip from the motherboard for a period of
time.
Note: Removing the battery to reset the CMOS will not work for all PC's, and
almost all of the newer laptops store their BIOS passwords in a manner which
does not require continuous power, so removing the CMOS battery may not
work at all. IBM Thinkpad laptops lock the hard drive as well as the BIOS when
the supervisor password is set. If you reset the BIOS password, but cannot reset
the hard drive password, you may not be able to access the drive and it will
remain locked, even if you place it in a new laptop. IBM Thinkpads have special
jumper switches on the motherboard, and these should be used to reset the
system.
On some older computer systems, you can force the CMOS to enter its setup
screen on boot by overloading the keyboard buffer. This can be done by booting
with the keyboard or mouse unattached to the systems, or on some systems by
hitting the ESC key over 100 times in rapid succession.
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If the manufacturer of the laptop or desktop PC can't or won't reset the BIOS
password, you still have the option of using a professional service. Password
Crackers, Inc., offers a variety of services for desktop and laptop computers for
between $100 and $400. For most of these services, you'll need to provide some
type of legitimate proof of ownership. This may be difficult if you've acquired
the computer second hand or from an online auction.
Elite Computer
2 the Max A-trend Matsonic
Systems
American
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IBM SuperMicro Biostar Intel
Tyan Chaintech
DISCLAIMER
This article is intended for IT Professionals and systems administrators with
experience servicing computer hardware. It is not intended for home users,
hackers, or computer thieves attempting to crack the password on a stolen PC.
Please do not attempt any of these procedures if you are unfamiliar with
computer hardware, and please use this information responsibly. LabMice.net
and SearchEnterpriseDesktop.com is not responsible for the use or misuse of
this material, including loss of data, damage to hardware, or personal injury.
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